by Ben Hammott
Jack returned to his senses first. He tore his eyes away from the horrifying spectacle and spurred his shocked friends into motion. “RUN!”
They sped along the corridor, around a corner and along the next corridor until they were confronted by two doors. The one spanning the corridor opened on their approach.
Jane shot a nervous glance behind at the rapidly approaching screeches and scraping claws. “Which way?”
Theo answered by opening the door on the right. “If we go straight ahead we'll have to climb down hundreds of steps and cross the monster infested landscape somehow.”
Lucy, unable to remain still, rushed through the opening as soon as the gap was wide enough. “It's the other walkway above the Wraiths domain.”
“Everyone through,” ordered Henry.
When the female monster skidded on the metal floor at the bend in the corridor, she grabbed at the corner wall and swung around the corner. Those following her were too bunched together to navigate around the corner as smoothly; they smashed into the corridor wall. Those dazed by the impact or crushed by the weight of their kind slamming into them, were scrambled over by those who had a few seconds ago been behind. Seizing their chance of a first bite, they rushed after their fleeing prey.
Max's hand hovered over the door control. As soon as the last person was through, he closed it. The door segments met a split second before the female arrived. The monsters muffled screams and pounding on the metal door announced their frustration and put the team's nerves on edge.
“I suggest we keep moving,” said Jack. “Those things must know how to operate the doors or they couldn't have followed after us.”
Spurred on by that unwelcome thought, they rushed along the high walkway. Theo led the way with his flashlight. Max had also switched his light on.
Sensing the movement above, and perhaps their fear, the Wraiths below became restless and howled.
When they were almost halfway across, Jack glanced back when the door behind rasped open. The Dormitory creatures poured onto the walkway. Their screeches joined the excited howls of the creatures below. Jack noticed the fear in Lucy's eyes when she turned her head. “Keep running and we'll be okay.” His reassuring tone did little to wipe the terror from her eyes. She gave him a slight nod and faced forward.
The narrow walkway the creatures found themselves funnelled into wasn't wide enough to accommodate more than one at a time. All eager to feed, frenzied fights broke out as each battled to claim a forward hold on the limited space. Creatures were knocked, pushed and thrown over the rail. The Wraiths below swarmed across the landscape and leapt upon those who fell into their midst. Screams, screeches and howls filled the air. Flesh was ripped, bitten and devoured.
Though too dark for those above to see who was winning the gruesome battle, they thought the Wraiths numbers gave them the edge.
When they neared the end of the walkway, Jack risked another glance at the creatures in pursuit. The female was still in the lead. Her single red eye stared at him. Their movement, gangly and awkward within the narrow confines offered by the walkway, slowed the Dormitory monsters down. That would change when they reached the wider corridors. If they failed to find a way to stop the female monster and her followers, their chances of survival weren't good.
They ran into the viewing room at the end of the walkway and headed straight for the door opposite. Theo punched the button. They all rushed through into the cargo section of the ship. Breathless from their exhausting dash, they stared at the approaching creatures through the rapidly narrowing gap until the closed door blocked them from their sight.
Lucy trembled. “We're still not safe. They'll open the door and get us.”
Jack slipped the ice axe from Henry's rucksack and smashed the door control. “I'm hoping that'll prevent the door from working, but I think hanging around to find out would be a bad move.” He held the axe up to Henry. “Do you mind if I keep hold of this?”
Henry panted and grabbed at his aching side. “Be my guest. It's of more use in your hands than mine, but let's get moving. It's imperative we reach the secondary control room.”
Jane reminded them they still had to find Richard.
“He could be anywhere on the ship by now,” said Theo.
“Or dead!” added Lucy. The thought of wandering alone through the ship was a nightmare she'd never be able to endure.
Henry glanced at his concerned companions. “All we can do is keep moving and hope we run into Richard or find the control room.”
Theo led the way along the corridor.
*****
Richard was worried. Not because a new danger threatened his life, but the opposite― he'd not seen or heard any monsters for a while. The thought that one could appear at any moment was almost as terrifying as the attack itself. He cautiously peered around a corner, but like the last few he had passed through, the corridor was also clear of monsters. He unzipped his jacket to look at the sleeping creature nestled in an inside pocket sleeping off its meal. Its skin was green, which he thought was a good sign. He smiled. His new-found friend would bring him wealth and fame beyond his wildest expectations. He zipped up the jacket and set off along the corridor.
Behind the next door he came to, he found a surprise. Henry, Theo, Max, Jane, Lucy and Jack rushed toward him.
“It's Richard,” called out Theo, surprised the man was still alive.
The smile upon Richard's lips was genuine. He was relieved more than he thought he would be by the reunion. “You all made it then.”
“Except for Eli,” said Theo, sadly.
Richard turned a shoulder to reveal Eli's bag on his back. “I thought he might be dead. I found his rucksack in the jungle room. I think one of the monsters got him.”
Jane creased her nose and looked at Richard's soiled clothing. “What happened to you?”
Richard shook his head. “You wouldn't believe me if I told you.”
I didn't think we'd see you again after you disappeared down that foul chute,” said Henry.
Richard looked at Henry. “You saw that?”
“We were hiding in one of the empty giant pods when you entered the room,” explained Max.
“Thanks for your help.”
“You know as well as we do, Richard, that if we'd revealed ourselves, we would've all been killed,” said Henry, defensively.
Aware time was of the essence, Theo quickly updated Richard with events since their parting and their need to find the auxiliary control room.
The look on Richard's face after hearing the request didn't inspire confidence in the others that the control room would be easy to reach. He just as quickly explained his concerns. The team was astounded by his description of the specimen room they'd have to pass through and by what they thought must be a wildly embellished tale of how he'd killed the monster inside.
“If that's the only one you saw, maybe it'll be safe to travel through now,” said Theo, hopefully.
“Though obviously it's a concern, it's a risk we'll have to take as we need to reach the control room,” said Henry.
Screeches echoed along the corridor. The Dormitory monsters had entered this part of the ship.
Jane turned to Richard. “Can you remember the way?”
Richard shrugged. “I think so.”
“Then lead on,” ordered Henry.
Richard led the group back through the ship.
Though Richard had to pause and get his bearings a couple of times at intersections, he managed to backtrack his route to the specimen room, and ready to flee, cautiously opened the door.
Crimson light bathed the group peering nervously through the opening.
Jack's eyes took in the room's huge size and the many areas in shadow that might conceal lurking creatures. Another step enabled him to look down the first row of specimen tanks on his left and right. He cocked an ear. The quiet deep hum of a motor and an occasional glug of fluid was all he heard. He turned to glance at the others waiting in th
e doorway. “Wait there while I walk to the end and see what's around the corner.”
When he turned away, Lucy took out her camera, stepped into the room and crossed to the nearest row of specimens.
Henry shook his head but didn't waste his breath trying to stop her. “Be careful, Lucy.”
If Lucy had heard, she showed no sign. She was too fascinated by the amazing sights that filled her roaming vision. Thrilled eyes wandered over creatures suspended in the red liquid, each more extraordinary and fantastical than the previous. She could hardly contain her excitement at seeing the range of strange life-forms. She glanced at the other filled racks in her line of vision. It saddened her that soon the species from a whole planet would be lost. She started taking photographs.
Jack gazed down every aisle he passed; all were clear. He paused at the dead, but still fearsome Web monster, and glanced up at the bloodstained crane contraption. Though he'd disbelieved Richard's hard-to-believe tale of how he'd killed the creature, the evidence here proved he'd been mistaken. To use the crane as a weapon hinted at a level of quick thinking and courage he wouldn't have credited the man with previously. He walked to the end of the rows and glanced each way. The red light flooding the space revealed it free of danger. He turned and waved the others forward. As soon as they were through, Theo closed the door.
The others were also fascinated by the strange creatures and momentarily forgetting the monsters they were so keen to escape from they, moved through the room gazing at the strange creatures.
Max pulled out the video camera and stared filming. “We should be thankful these creatures aren't roaming free like those others.”
Jack pointed out the broken containers and the askew rack. “It seems the ship's bumpy landing set a few free. Probably those monsters we've encountered.”
Jane peered through the glass at a small creature with six limbs, a tiny head and claws a raptor would be proud of. “It's proof they're living specimens in suspended animation.”
Max panned the camera around the room. “It's disheartening that all this will soon be lost.”
Theo nodded his agreement. “If we do manage to escape and alert the outside world of what we've discovered, and it's possible, perhaps a rescue mission can be launched to save the ship. NASA and the armed forces would surely do anything to get their hands on this advanced technology and maybe even these creatures.”
Henry wasn't so enthusiastic. These creatures didn't belong on Earth. If even one escaped and was able to survive the Antarctic climate and somehow managed to reach the mainland, they'd soon become top of the food chain, and if they bred, the consequences would be disastrous. No, he thought, perhaps it's better they perish.
“Even if it's possible, I doubt any salvage attempt could be arranged quickly enough to prevent the ship slipping into the sea,” said Jane.
Richard placed a hand gently on the lump in his jacket. He was impatient to be off the ship before his stowaway was discovered or something killed him. He glanced at the door at the far end of the room and then at Henry, who stood at the end of an aisle. Though Lucy was out of sight down one of the rows, the constant clicking of her camera revealed her position. “Henry,” he called out. Henry glanced at him. “I think we should leave.” He pointed at the hole in the ceiling. “The monster entered through there and there could be more.”
Henry nodded. They'd lingered long enough. “Lucy, we have to go.”
Lucy sighed. “I know.” Reluctantly she moved out of the aisle, but continued to take photographs on the route to the exit.
They passed out of the specimen room and followed Richard's hurried walk to the auxiliary control room.
The Mimic entered the auxiliary control room, descended the curving slope, walked past the table and down the steps to the lower control area. She walked over to a console and pulled out a tube similar to the one that attached itself to Henry's neck in the main control room. When she moved the end toward her face, her form parted to reveal the large queen within. The tube hissed when it latched onto her. A press of a few buttons transferred the information she required to her brain. The tube detached and slid back into the console. As her face reformed, an upper door opened. She faded into invisibility and moved across the room.
The team reached the control room without encountering any other creatures. Once all were inside, they spread along the balcony and gazed at the room below. Richard pointed at the table he'd told them about, noticing the lights that had previously been dark on the control panel were now lit. “I've no idea what it does, but from what you told me, I think it might be what the computer was talking about.”
They walked down the ramp and crowded around the table.
When Jane pressed a button beside one of the displays, a menu appeared with an English option. She tapped the word on the screen. A second menu appeared. She read through the selection and chose Internal Navigation and tapped Deck Plans on the third option screen.
They stepped back from the table when the purple gelatinous fluid covering its top moved. Columns of the substance rose up and tendrils seeped out into horizontal lines to form layers. Details began to form on every surface. Slightly less than thirty seconds later they all stared at a purple 3D representation of the ship's internal layout.
They stepped forward for a closer look. Set out like this they were able to see for the first time how huge the ship was. They'd barely visited a quarter of its main rooms.
Max leaned forward and peered through one of the levels, moving his head from side to side for different viewpoints. “It's amazing.”
Theo was also fascinated by the technology that had produced such a detailed model so quickly. “It's similar to something a 3D printer would produce.”
For a few moments they all studied the model, looking at it from different angles and heights.
The click of a camera roused them from their examination. They glanced at Richard.
He smiled. “One for the scrapbook.”
“Good idea,” said Lucy, who'd been so fascinated by the model, she'd neglected to photograph it. She pulled out her camera and snapped off some photos.
“For all its expertly rendered details, I can't see how it helps us plan a safe route to the engine room, as we've no idea where the monsters are,” said Henry.
Jane turned her attention to the control screen again. She pressed the Additional Details option. The menu that appeared had the option they required. She selected the Show Life-forms option.
When blobs of the gelatinous substance peeled off to form the creatures roaming the vessel, they were again astounded by the level of detail produced by the advanced technology. Each life-form aboard the ship was represented. What was even more amazing was that very few of the depicted aliens were static. Their eyes followed the movements of the creatures in their particular field of vision.
“I've never seen anything like this and wouldn't have believed it possible if I hadn't seen it for myself.” Theo reached out and poked one of the tiny creatures; it felt gooey to the touch. It oozed past his finger as if the obstacle wasn't there.
Lucy pointed at a section of the model. “Look, even we're represented.”
Their tiny forms in the model mimicked their movements when they crowded around Lucy to see for themselves. Jane raised an arm and waved. Her tiny self did the same.
For the first time in a long while they laughed as each formed a position that was copied by their 3D representations. Max even did a little dance that his smaller facsimile copied.
“As fascinating and entertaining as this is,” said Henry, “we need to find a safe route to the engine room.” He pointed at the control screen. “Is it possible to plot a route on that thing, Jane?”
Jane read through the list of options displayed on the screen and tapped a few choices on consecutive menus. “I can't find anything that's going to help us other than to show the different levels one at a time.” A press of the touch screen removed all the levels from the 3D image to l
eave an expanded view of the level they were on.
They again examined the model.
Lucy scanned the nearby rooms and corridors on the 3D blueprint. “At least there's no monsters close by.”
Theo traced a path with a finger from the room they were in to a staircase leading down to a lower level. “This route is currently free of the creatures.”
“Jane, can you bring up the lower level so we can see where the stairs lead?” asked Henry.
The layout of the lower level promptly appeared, complete with roaming creatures. As before, any rooms that spanned more than one level, as the cathedral and engine room did, were depicted in their entirety.
The staircase led to a long corridor that ended abruptly at a missing area of the model that stretched the width of the ship and beyond that was the engine room.
Max pointed at the blank section. “That could be caused by the damaged sensors the computer mentioned.
“The missing section's a worry, but that's our route,” said Henry. “It's a long haul, but as far as we can tell, it's currently free of monsters.”
Jane brought up the level they were on again.
Jack pointed out the doors along the route that weren't functioning before. “We'll have to hope the computer was able to power these doors up, because going back the way we came isn't an option.”
Their eyes settled on the cathedral room and the insect-like creatures crawling through it and up and down the sloping path. A large congregation of the insects waited by the door they had fled through what now seemed a long time ago, as if waiting for them to return.
“Okay, everyone, memorize the route,” said Henry.
Richard snapped off photographs of the planned route.
When everyone had familiarized themselves with the path to the staircase, they exited the room.
